Janet Mock Empowers Trans Women with #GirlsLikeUs Campaign

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“My purpose at USC was to elevate the conversation, to urge a new generation of young LGBT leaders and allies to question what they truly mean when they say they’re fighting for equality,” says a passionate Janet Mock in reference to the keynote speech she delivered at the University of Southern California’s Lavender Celebration on April 29, 2012 as highlighted by Queer Women of Color Media.

The impassioned Mock has sparked a Twitter campaign to empower trans women. The #GirlLikeUs campaigncalls on the media to prominently tell the stories of the many trans women who are victims of hate crimes.

As a respected media professional and self-acclaimed person writing and “living visibly as a proud trans woman,” Mock has used her voice to spread awareness within the trans community and beyond. The issues that trans women and men of color must be a galvanized effort consisting of allies and community activists in order to bring these significant stories to national presence, discussion and action.

Mock, like many other advocates such as Laverne Cox have all spoken out against the sweep of violence that has been affecting the trans community, and most recently the disappointing cases of CeCe McDonald and Brandy Martell. Mock is critical of the media’s coverage of these issues, but is hopeful that a continued fight will deliver justice.

On Mock’s blog, “Fish Food for Thought,” she states, “The brutality and injustices that we face are rarely told. Our stories are rarely elevated beyond our own community’s cries.” This is a strong statement because it is not only enough to discuss the issues within the community, or as the adage goes, “speaking to the choir,” but the concern of the trans community, must be the concern of the LGBT and for all humankind.